Tank cycling, LR, dead rock and me

[ramsey]

So, I'm sitting up a couple of new tanks ATM. I'm going to be using a combination of dead rock and Florida LR. I'm thinking of putting in the dead rock first, doing a fishless tank cycle, then order my LR. I think by doing it this way, I would prevent a lot of life from dying off. Apparently, the Florida LR from Sea Life Inc. is full of hitchhikers so I'd like to keep as many alive as possible.

Am I crazy or is this a good plan of attack?

[BSJF]

The tank may cycle again after you add the Fl. LR. Dieoff during shipping is common.

[ramsey]

I figured there will be some die off but I'm hoping that if I have good bacteria built up, it will have a much better chance off keeping another cycle at a minimum. It seems that it would have to be better than no bacteria at all to process waste.

[BSJF]

I would have a tub with saltwater going and rinse the rock in it when you get it. This will get the loose dead stuff off before it goes in your tank. If you don't have fish in the tank and don't mind a second cycle, then it is fine. Otherwise you can also leave it in the tub with a pump until you confirm it isn't cycling or until it finishes curing. If you have stuff on the rock that needs light, just clamp a spotlight on the tub.

[Europhyllia]

I wouldn't bother with the fishless cycle on the dead rock if you are going to getting liverock anyway.
put the dead rock in first (because you can take your time arranging it) and then get the liverock and just start the cycle then.

(And if you get cool stony corals on your Florida liverock sell one to me! ;))